How to Ask for a Professional Reference
References from a previous job are a critical component to getting just about any job these days. A carefully crafted resume will land you the interview, and presenting yourself well at the interview may put you in strong contention for the job, but if you don't have strong references from past employers, you likely won't get that job. Following these steps should help you ensure that you have solid, positive references at the ready - always ask politely for people to be a reference, make sure they will offer you a positive reference, inform your reference when they may be imminently contacted to provide the referral for you, and keep track of your reference. Let's face it, you no longer work at your previous place of employment because you either quit or were fired. Chances are if you were fired you don't want to list a contact there as a reference, however if the circumstances for your firing were out of your control - maybe the company downsized your depart...